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The Patriots Offensive Line

During the pre-season and even into the season a bit, there was significant concern on this forum concerning the play of the O-line. There was concern here about virtually every position along the line. Would Volmer be back and if not could Cannon do the job? Who would fill the RG if Waters didn't come back? Was Koppen coming back, would he be healthy, is this Dan Connolly's job, would Koppen be the back-up? Is Mankin's coming back and if not would Robert Gallery have the job? Can Nate Solder come into his own after the loss of Matt Light?

So the question is, in your view, how did it all shake out? Any concerns? Any pleasant surprises? Any things you like? Any things you don't like?

6/27/09: “We expect [Rondo] to play by the rules and be a leader as a point guard. We need him to be more of a leader,” Ainge said. “There were just a couple situations where he was late this year, I don’t know if he was sitting in his car, but showed up late and the rest of the team was there. We have team rules and you have to be on time. He was fined for being late, he said he was stuck in traffic, and it’s just unacceptable.”

You can count on BB drafting an O-lineman (most likely a C) in either the 1st or 2nd round in the upcoming draft.

Few teams draft Centers in the first round.

The Pats have needs at NT/DT, CB, FS, WR - ahead of C.

6/27/09: “We expect [Rondo] to play by the rules and be a leader as a point guard. We need him to be more of a leader,” Ainge said. “There were just a couple situations where he was late this year, I don’t know if he was sitting in his car, but showed up late and the rest of the team was there. We have team rules and you have to be on time. He was fined for being late, he said he was stuck in traffic, and it’s just unacceptable.”

Quick-hit thoughts: Wendell, who came up through the practice squad, has settled in nicely at center. The Patriots are close to a 50 percent in the shotgun, and we can only recall two miscommunications/misfires. … Solder, the 2011 first-round pick, has been impressive at left tackle. There has been no shortage of challenges with some of the edge rushers the team has faced. … Vollmer was eased into the mix nicely, rotating the first two games of the season with Marcus Cannon before assuming a full-time role. What a difference when he’s in the lineup. … Connolly has missed time because of a concussion and then an illness, but has settled in at Waters’ old right guard spot. The initial plan was likely for him to be at center, but when Waters didn’t report, that altered things. … Mankins was ready for the opener, but since Week 4, has been in and out of the lineup because of hip and calf injuries. … If there was a “12th player award”, Thomas would be a good candidate. He’s been an unsung performer, filling in at both guard spots on days when the Patriots have had strong rushing performances. … McDonald filled in at guard against the Jets when depth was thinned because of Connolly’s illness and is a valuable depth option behind Thomas. … Cannon has been the third tackle and most recently saw time in the power package as an extra tight end.

Yeah, and T's cost a lot in the draft or FA - if they are elite. And if Vollmer walks, we need a draft pick (high), and a FA. Cannon better stick with G.

6/27/09: “We expect [Rondo] to play by the rules and be a leader as a point guard. We need him to be more of a leader,” Ainge said. “There were just a couple situations where he was late this year, I don’t know if he was sitting in his car, but showed up late and the rest of the team was there. We have team rules and you have to be on time. He was fined for being late, he said he was stuck in traffic, and it’s just unacceptable.”